What usually helps a forum is
content. Is there anyway some content from the old forum(s) can be transferred here? Maybe to an archive section?
Can perhaps some of the posters that had notable trip reports or accessory installs be encouraged to resubmit their posts?
It's one thing to get people to come to a forum, and another to get them to stay and contribute.
As a newbie member (both forum and paid) I'm not sure if my view to you is more valuable
(new blood, what are they thinking?) or less valuable
(new blood, who cares?)but the Main website and Membership packet I received were both (IMO) pretty impressive. The forum content, not so much, especially considering the long history of this group. I do think that this forum software is going to work well for you, it looks a lot like other forums that I'm on and they have been up for years and seem to work well. However getting back to my original thought, no matter how glossy the magazine, it's content that makes it readable, same for a forum.
Should I start a
What's the best oil thread? That usually gets folks typing. (YES I"M JOKING!
)